About Our Founder

"Over 25 years ago I dreamed of owning my own business..."
PJ Van Beneden President/ Founder of Burger Joe’s of America, Inc.

PJ has over 30 years experience in the food industry. After graduating from college with a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry, he passed on becoming an Orthodontist choosing to begin a career in restaurant management with the Steak-n-Ale, Corporation. While with Steak-n-Ale, he managed and supervised seven restaurants in the Midwestern, Eastern and Southern regions of the United States continuing his career at Mimi’s Restaurant in Atlanta. PJ acquired his first restaurant taking it from a closed, bankrupt restaurant into one of Atlanta’s hottest happy/hour night spots called Modines. He then conceptualized and founded Joe Rigatoni’s, a successful restaurant featured in National Magazines, giving him credit for being the innovator of America’s first spaghetti bar. In 1985 he went on to create Flamingo Joe’s, a highly successful restaurant and gathering spot in both suburban and downtown Atlanta locations, again PJ’s innovative style garnered much media attention. While continuing to operate his Flamingo Joe’s restaurants, PJ branched out to conceptualize and establish in 1987 the Burger Joe’s Delivery/Takeout restaurants. (Originally called Joes To Goes). In 2002, PJ partnered with TKE fraternity brother Steve Jenne to open the first Burger Joe's Delivery/Takeout restaurant in Midtown Atlanta followed by two more stores in the greater Atlanta area. A Washington D.C. area restaurant opened in May of 2006.